Remote Robot Camera Switching for Precise Arm Manipulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In remote control robot systems with multiple cameras, adjusting the camera switching timing for accurate spatial relationship understanding between the work object and robotic arm is cumbersome and requires frequent readjustments, especially when the work environment changes.

Innovation Solution

A remote control robot system that includes a camera selecting device for operator-controlled camera switching and automatic switching mode, where the image processor automatically switches the camera based on stored switching information, allowing flexible camera selection and adjustment during real work without preadjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple cameras are provided to enable accurate spatial relationship understanding, then the operator can grasp the spatial relationship between work object and robot, but the adjustment of camera switching timing becomes troublesome and requires frequent readjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial relationship understandingVSAvoidcamera switching adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The camera switching system operates autonomously by detecting robot position and operation state to automatically select and switch between cameras. The system serves itself by using robot state information to trigger appropriate camera views without operator intervention, thereby maintaining measurement precision while eliminating manual adjustment burden

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of camera selection based on robot position coordinates and operation state. By dynamically adjusting which camera is active according to real-time robot parameters, the system provides accurate spatial views automatically adapted to current work conditions without requiring manual switching adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If camera switching timing is adjusted beforehand, then accurate spatial relationship can be grasped during work, but readjustment is needed when work object changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial relationship accuracyVSAvoidwork environment adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The camera switching system transitions from static pre-adjustment to dynamic real-time switching based on robot position and operation state. The system continuously adapts camera selection to current work conditions, maintaining spatial relationship accuracy while automatically adjusting to different work objects without manual readjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from robot position detection and operation state monitoring to automatically determine appropriate camera switching timing. This closed-loop approach ensures accurate spatial views are provided adaptively for different work objects and conditions without requiring operator readjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If manual camera switching is used, then operator can select appropriate view, but operator burden increases during work

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera view selection flexibilityVSAvoidoperator time for camera adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The camera switching function serves itself by automatically selecting appropriate views based on robot position and operation state. This eliminates the need for operator intervention in camera selection, reducing operator burden and time loss while maintaining flexible and appropriate camera view selection throughout the work process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3342561B1Remote control robot system
Publication Date: 2022.08.10 KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KK
  • EP3342561B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3342561B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3342561B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A remote control robot system is provided, which includes a robotic arm configured to perform a given work, a remote control device for an operator to remotely manipulate operation of the robotic arm, a plurality of cameras configured to image the work of the robotic arm, a monitor configured to display a captured image that is sent, a camera selecting device configured to generate, in response to receiving an operator's selection of one camera from the plurality of cameras, camera selection information for switching the captured image displayed on the monitor to the captured image from the selected camera, a storage device configured to store information where operational information related to operation of the robotic arm in the work is associated with the camera selection information, as automatic switching information, and an image processor configured to send to the monitor the captured image from the camera selected from the plurality of cameras based on the automatic switching information stored in the storage device.